RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond is launching a program aimed at creating more affordable housing by partnering with local faith-based organizations. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, city officials announced the launch of the Faith Housing Initiative, a two-year program designed to help combat Richmond's hou sing crisis. Through this program, interested faith-based organizations that own underutilized properties can receive assistance in transforming those properties into affordable housing developments. The initiative is made possible in partnership with national sacred/civic nonprofit Sympara, according to an Oct. 20 press release from the city. Both the nonprofit and city leaders have already begun early parcel mapping and engaging with faith leaders to gauge interest. Starting Tuesday, faith-based organizations that are interested in this program can apply for its next phase, which city leaders call the "12-month Faith Housing Cohort." This yearlong phase will involve helping faith leaders "discern visions, develop plans, and prepare their members and neighbors for the multiyear development journey" through monthly meetings. “Moving the needle on housing supply and affordability will no doubt require some creative thinking about how we can incentivize thoughtful development and utilize or rehab underused parcels all over our City,” said Mayor Danny Avula in the release. “We are fortunate to have countless strong communities of faith who are looking for ways to use their property for community benefit. The Faith Housing Initiative will open the door to unique possibilities to do just that.”  The cohort is limited to 12 congregations. The city said applications will be judged based on the congregation's "readiness to embark on the multiyear journey of housing development." Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. Interested faith-based organizations can apply here. Faith leaders who want to learn more about the program before applying can attend one of two virtual informational sessions, which will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 4 and Nov. 6. You can email [email protected] to RSVP. The cohort will begin to meet starting in 2027. You can find further details on the city's website. ...read more read less